David and Jacinta's Walks- 2026

 Black Hill via Crowden "Great" Quarry David was out on his own today; it had to be a relatively short walk as we'd booked to see The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Savoy. Crowden not-so Great Quarry Much rock now more stable as it's on the floor of the quarry Black Hill from Crowden is relatively close to home and, at just under nine miles, perfect for the day. Rather than going up the usual way, via Laddow, I decided to go up via Crowden Great Quarry. Having climbed there once with Paul B, my opinion is that it's certainly not great as the rock is pretty friable and secure natural belay points are virtually non-existent. However, it appears that some adventurous climbing is still done there as I spotted a belay stake. Belay stake above the quarry After the quarry, it was a visit to the Hey Edge trig point which was lacking its characteristic peaty swamp around its base. Hey Edge trig with Holme Moss and Black Hill After Hey Edge, there are a couple of short but stee...

 Black Hill- David Solo A chilly, windy and misty day and anyone sensible would stay at home. Nevertheless, David was off to Crowden for the year's first trip to Black Hill. It was relatively sheltered on the way up to Laddow Rocks, but at the top it was very windy. I had to swap my knitted hat for a securely fitting Buff- I really didn't want to lose my new hat! With the wind as it was, I was anticipating coming back the same way (along the Pennine Way) as the top of Tooleyshaw Moss is very exposed. The mist was blowing in and out, as well although this was less of a consideration as the path is relatively clear and certainly familiar. Approaching the summit plateau ...and less than a minute later- horizon visible! I stopped at the trig point on Soldier's Lump, sheltering from the breeze in the lee of its plinth. Although I'd set my compass in case the visibility was bad, by the time I left the mist had cleared and the wind had died down a bit, so I was pleased to do t...